With regards to SQ42 I've no idea tbh we've been given very little information on it, PU won't be out 2017, not a hope in hell, I'd be surprised if it even gets into beta by the end of next year if I'm completely honest.
PS been on holidays hence me being quiet lately lol
I really wouldnt be surprised if the PU Beta is comfortably 2019.
The roadmap they gave at CitizenCon had 3.0 - 3.4 being the implementation of the main career stuff, mining, exploration, salvage, repair, farming etc. Then 4.0 is Jump Points.
Those updates wont be quarterly IMO, i think we'll see minor updates but not those landmark updates will be 6mo apart if we're lucky, i feel. Even if they're quarterly, that puts 4.0 around Summer 2018, and thats using a generous estimate. Theres a long way to go.
I also found it interesting that CIG have announced that they've adopted Amazons Lumberyard engine, which is similar to StarEngine in that its a branched version of the CryEngine. Im assuming its a fairly insignificant move in terms of work to implement, it just means they integrate with that to get the most out of their cloud networking service, and it should still mean all their existing work is still compatible, its not like moving to the Unreal Engine or something.
Anyone have more of an understanding in what Lumberyard offers CIG, and whether there might be a downside? I did read someone commenting on Reddit saying Amazons cloud service currently isnt as good as Googles in Europe, and we'd be tied to that. Likewise it may mean unofficial/modded servers may need to be done through them, because the code is built for it - not that thats a big issue IMO.